Alpena Man to Rollerblade Across US

Al Schiller (from sk8thestates)

complied from several sources

An Alpena man, Al Schiller, leaves Sunday, August 29 on a 3500 mile trek across the United States. On eight wheels. On roller blades.

Schiller is an Olympic speed skating hopeful, but decided to temporarily divert his energy toward this project after his application to the Pepsi Refresh Project was accepted. Pepsi is granting millions of dollars to people who "refresh the world," and make it a better place. They have given Schiller $25,000 to finance his efforts to raise even more for a good cause.

Along his route from Atlantic City to Los Angeles, Schiller will raise money for the Youth Heart Watch program, which places defibrillators in schools. Schools can apply to Schiller, and he will distribute the devices to the winners after his journey is complete.

He will also speak at high schools along the way. "I am thankful for the backing I have and the amount of effort that my team is putting into this. People will know exactly what Sudden Cardiac Arrest is," he explained. He has a heart for those who have died for lack of a simple medical device, and their families.

The journey is expected to take four months. You can read more about the quest at Schiller's web page, and his blog.

See Sk8thestates
See Sk8thestates blog
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Triathlon Kicks off Third Coast Bike Festival

still from video at 9&10 News

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from a news article at 9&10 News
and Third Coast Bike Festival

Sunday morning, 300 triathletes kicked off the Third Coast Bicycle Festival as they swam, biked and ran on the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City. Both Olympic and sprint length events were offered. Participants came from as far as California to compete in this second annual race.

The course began with a swim of Bowers Harbor, followed by a bicycle leg up the peninsula and a foot race back to the harbor. Participation was up by 50% from last year's initial event.

From the triathlon yesterday, through the 29th of August, the Traverse City, Michigan Third Coast Bicycle Festival will offer something for every bicycle enthusiast. Family fun is an important component, but fixed gear, road racing, touring and cyclocross events are also offered.

Curb-to-curb races of the 3rd Annual Cherry Roubaix Criterium Road Races will be just two blocks from downtown on Saturday. Hell Yes Roller Sprints and a Cyclocross Race are scheduled for the evening in conjunction with the the 2nd Annual TC Microbrew and Music Festival held on the lawn at The Grand Traverse Commons.

Bicycle art, a film night, local rides and more will round out the week.

See Third Coast Bike Festival for more info
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Southwest Michigan Non-Motorized Trails Project

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a news release of theSouthwest Michigan Planning Commission

August 15, 2010- Comment Period For 9 County Project Ending
Last day that the SWMPC will be taking comment on the county existing and planned maps for the 9 County Non-Motorized Project. If you have any comments please send them to Suzann Flowers at (269) 925-1137 x 17 or flowerss@swmpc.org. You can view the maps at SWMPC. A big thank you to everyone for all the great participation and feedback that we have gotten. Please forward the maps to anyone you think may want to comment on the maps.

August 23, 2010 Connecting Communities and People With Trails Workshop Session 3
The SWMPC and West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition will host its next session of the 4-part workshop series on Liability and Maintenance for Trails. Josh DeBruyn from the Michigan Department of Transportation will be discussing Liability for Bike Routes and Jeff Mitchell from the Van Buren County Road Commission will be discussing Maintenance Part 1 and 2. Please join us on August 23, 2010 from 8:30am-noon at the Van Buren County Conference Center in Lawrence, MI. For more details please visit SWMPC Trails Workshop

If you have any trail related events in the 9-county region of SW Michigan that you would like to share with our friends, please become a member of the Southwest Michigan Alliance for Recreational Trails friend on Facebook or send Suzann Flowers a message. There are usually updates every couple of months.

Contact Suzann Flowers
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AFFEW Lists Fall Activities

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a news release of AFFEW

The Mason County based environmental group, AFFEW, announces the following fall activities. AFFEW stands for A Few Friends for the Environment of the World.

Beach Sweep August 10th and September 25th (International-counting done at this one). This volunteer activity removes litter from Lake Michigan beaches.

Storage Unit Sale August 27th-28th- like a garage sale, but no clothes! From The sale will be 8-4 p.m. Friday the 27th and 8-3 p.m. Saturday the 28th, at Larson’s Storage, South Jebavy Dr., Ludington, MI, Unit B 33

Donations can be made 5-7 p.m. on August 2, 9,16, 23, 26, and August 25th from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Or make contact for other times.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day August 21, 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome. This event is at the Mason County Road Commission on US 10 east of Scottville.

Annual Dinner-October 2 Ludington Center for the Arts, 6:30 p.m. Potluck with Annual Meeting to follow.

AFFEW’s 20th Anniversary Celebration – October 2 after the Annual Meeting. Hard to believe that AFFEW has been around 20 years! To mark this accomplishment we have booked The Famous Ragbirds! This high energy roots and world music band have strong environmental beliefs. The Center only holds 110 people so MEMBERS will have until September 15th to purchase tickets. If you are not up to date with membership you might consider doing so. After that friends of AFFEW will be able to buy them. If you want to secure a ticket for yourself and family send $15 per person to Box 177 Ludington, MI 49431 with your name, phone number, and address. The tickets will be held for you at the event. Board members will also have tickets available.

Battery Recycling is still going on. For drop off points and information see the web site.

See AFFEW
Contact Julia Chambers
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Tour de Michigan Underway

map of Michigander routes (from michigan.org)

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based on a news article in the Leader and Kalkaskian

770 bicyclists are participating in this year's Tour de Michigan events. Three different rides were offered: A weekend ride on the 17-18 July, a six-day ride July 18-23, or the full week of July 17-23.

Riders are pedaling 35-55 miles a day, on a combination of paved and single-track bike routes. Camping, two meals, and a shuttle service is provided, along with aid stations.

This is the 18th year for the event, begun as a fundraiser for the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. Their goal was to increase ridership this year, and there are 185 more participants than last year. Riders range from age 8 to 86.

Riders are enjoying the beauty of northern Michigan outdoors along miles of trails including the North Central State Trail, Little Traverse Wheelway, and Petoskey to Mackinaw Trail.

See Michigan.org
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Pets in the Park Day at Orchard Beach, Manistee

a news release of Michigan DNRE

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced that Orchard Beach State Park is hosting a "GO-Get Outdoors Pets in the Park" weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 & 25. Scheduled events and activities for the weekend include dog training, a demonstration on scent detection, first aid for pets, wild animal rehabilitation, an agility and work-out course and search and rescue. A veterinarian will be on hand for a question and answer session and there will be a children's and pet parade.

Activities will start Saturday at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. when the children's and pet parade will begin. Prizes donated by Manistee Equine Feed & Pet Supply of Manistee and other local businesses, will be awarded for the best costumes in the parade.

Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday, "Paws for Agility" will have an agility course set up with demonstrations. Visitors may try maneuvering the course with their pets. Participants are asked to donate pet food for use in the local pet pantry before taking their turn on the course. Also during this time, Dr. Laura Betts, a local veterinarian, will be at the park to talk about health and safety issues for your pets.

Available throughout the day on Saturday will be a display of products for pets. Visitors are welcome to bring their pets for the weekend's fun and activities.

Partnering with Orchard Beach State Park to offer the "Pets in the Park" weekend are Lori Linderman of Manistee Equine Feed and Pet Supplies, Jim Rutherford of Action Canine Institute, Chris Felty of "Paws for Agility," Dr. Laura Betts of Parkdale Animal Hospital and Little River Ottawa Indians Search & Rescue K9 Division.

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Harbor Springs Teens Survive Kayak Ordeal

Josh Bonter and Jeff Parson (still from video at 9&10 news)

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based on a news article at 9&10 News

Friends Josh Bonter and Jeff Parson headed out to kayak on Lake Michigan's Sturgeon on July 14, 2010. They were heading toward Waugoshance Point in Wilderness State Park, north of Harbor Springs.

Their plan was to kayak to the island off Waugoshance Point and return to shore. But the wind picked up, making the big lake too choppy. Instead, they decided to remain on the island. They had water and a lighter, enabling them to stay hydrated and build a fire before a storm moved in. However, neither boy had shoes!

Resourcefully, they caught frogs to cook for dinner. However, their families were becoming alarmed and eventually the Coast Guard out of Traverse City was dispatched. They were picked up the next morning and taken back to Harbor Springs. Neither one required medical attention.

A Coast Guard spokesman stated that the young men made the right decision to get off the water and stay put.

Also see the Petoskey News
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Kayaking Basics for Women, Aug 21

kayaker on Bass Lake (photo by JHY)

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a news release of Michigan DNRE

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment invites women to learn the basics of kayaking on Saturday, Aug. 21. Kayaking provides fun outdoor exercise and is a great way to get an up-close look at wildlife and take in the scenery. The class is being offered through the department's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Milford.

Introduction to Kayaking is designed for women to learn kayaking safety, clothing, types of kayaks and paddles in a safe and comfortable environment. After getting familiar with the equipment, participants will have the opportunity to get out on the water and learn proper entry and exit of the kayak, proper paddle grip, an introduction to the "total body kayak stroke" and rescue techniques. As with any BOW program, participants may determine their level of involvement. As a wrap-up to the course, participants can enjoy a leisurely paddle on the lake at their own pace.

Instructors will provide a packet of information to each participant, which includes information on equipment, safety items and other resources.

This class is offered in cooperation with Black Parrot Paddling, LLC, Heavener Canoe and Kayak Livery, Inc., and the American Canoe Association. Heavener Canoe and Kayak Livery's Proud Lake site is located at 2775 Garden Rd. in Milford. Registration deadline is Aug. 13 and the fee is $100 per person. Light snacks and beverages are provided, however participants should bring a lunch.

For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs Becoming and Outdoorswoman
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Grand Rapids Opens First "Complete Street"

compiled from several sources>

Complete Streets is a concept designation which has already been enacted through legislation in 13 states. On June 24, 2010, it passed out of committee in the Michigan legislature.

The general idea is to make transportation thoroughfares more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, while not compromising motor vehicle travel. Another goal is to be respectful of the surrounding community features.

From an article in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal: "The complete streets concept focuses not just on individual roads but on changing the decision-making and design process so that all users are routinely considered during the planning, designing, building and operating of all roadways. It is about policy and institutional change."

Grand Rapids has just opened their first Complete Street, a section of Lake Drive, near Carlton Avenue. Bike lanes were added to the street and seating at bus stops. The Master Plan for Grand Rapids includes additional Complete Streets.

Organizations supporting the concept include the League of Michigan Bicyclists, Alliance for Biking and Walking, and the National Complete Streets Coalition.

See Complete Streets: We Can Get There from Here, in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal
See National Complete Streets Coalition
See Michigan Complete Streets
See Grand Rapids WZZM Lake Street article
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Explore Michigan's Grand River

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a news release of Michigan DNRE

Registration is now open for Grand River Expedition 2010, a journey of discovery down mid-Michigan's Grand River, from its source south of Jackson to its mouth at Lake Michigan. The event begins July 14 and continues through July 26.

Before roads, canals and railroads, the Grand River was an important navigational route through the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, used for centuries by various Native American tribes and later by explorers and settlers.

The expedition is made up of a broad coalition of organizations, individuals, and communities traveling downriver to identify, study and enjoy the values, challenges and opportunities of the Grand River and its 5,570 square mile watershed. This effort will contribute to the public's knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the Grand River and how it connects communities across the region for present and future generations.

"All members of the public are invited to join us in this endeavor, whether it's for the entire trip or for just a day or two," says noted Michigan paddler Charlie Parmelee of Leslie. As expedition rivermaster, Parmelee will lead the group of canoeists, kayakers and others down the river. "This will be a trip to remember. It will be family-friendly, combining recreation and learning."

Governor Granholm and Lt. Governor Cherry issued a joint Certificate of Tribute in April to the Expedition and its participants. Grand River Expedition 2010 has been recognized as a quality physical activity event by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and is sponsored by the Timberland Resource, Conservation and Development Council of Grand Rapids.

Grand River Expedition 2010 is designed to maintain the momentum gained from similar expeditions in 1990 and 2000. "I am excited to see such a large and diverse coalition come together to conduct Grand River Expedition 2010," says Doug Carter of Grand Ledge, nationally recognized river manager and educator, and the expedition's chair. "These leaders of government, agriculture, education, business, industry, and non-profit organizations, working together, will be responsible for the future health, integrity and vitality of the Grand River watershed and its citizens. I encourage everyone to participate in this special observance to learn more about the river and watershed, and about how to become more responsible stewards of this treasure."

The watershed analysis and teaching team conducts studies and explains results as it moves downstream. The expedition offers presentations, displays and demonstrations to communities along the river in an attempt to interact with the river, its tributaries, and its people throughout the watershed. This team includes scientists and students from Michigan State and Grand Valley State universities, local conservation districts and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Noted canoeist Mike Smith of Portland will be on the river again this year after having paddled the full length in 2000. He also once paddled over 3,000 miles solo down the Missouri River, following the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806. Smith said, "I will have a GPS unit mounted on my canoe, so everyone can see on the internet how the expedition is proceeding." Just before the event, the web address to track Smith's progress will be posted on the general expedition website listed below.
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Great American Backyard Campout 2010

a news release of National Wildlife Federation

Remember summer evenings catching fireflies, star-gazing and sharing campfire stories? Create lasting memories and happier, healthier children by connecting with family and friends in the great outdoors. Join National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout.

Kids today spend half as much time outside as their parents did, missing out on the simple pleasures of daily outdoor time. Here at the National Wildlife Federation, we know that kids are healthier and happier when they spend time outside every day. NWF programs like Green Hour, Nature Find, Trees for the 21st Century, Certified Backyard and Schoolyard Habitats are bringing kids back into the great outdoors. Your support will help us keep these initiatives going!

Last year, 90,000 people across the country gathered to spend the night under the stars. Don’t miss out. Join us on Saturday, June 26, for a night of fun, friendship, family, fresh air and fundraising.

Register online today at www.backyardcampout.org. As soon as you register, you’ll get a link to your online Participant Center so you can start planning your campout while providing you the option to fundraise for the mission. You’ll also gain access to tons of creative ideas for recipes, crafts and activities to make your c

Thank you for your interest in the National Wildlife Federation and our mission to make outdoor time a priority for our children. We hope you’ll join the Great American Backyard Campout this year.

See backyardcampout.org
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79-Year-Old Rides Bike 250 Miles

Lyle White

based on a news article in the Grand Haven Tribune

Lyle White of Grand Haven, dismayed over the large number of his friends who were moving to nursing homes, determined that he would keep active for as long as possible. He prayed about this situation often.

When his good friend Chuck also ended up in a home, he believed that God told him the only way to prevent the same fate for himself was to ride his bike to Mackinac City. He began getting in shape with rides near home, but was pretty sure that his family wouldn't understand.

So on the morning of April 1, he headed north. He made it as far as Coopersville before a family member called his cell phone, and tried to convince him to turn back, which he declined to do.

He rode 47 miles the first day. His wife was the most upset, but with frequent phone calls he convinced her that he would be all right, and he kept going. Stops were Newaygo, Baldwin, Mesick, and Kalkaska. Next came Boyne City, and Petoskey, but when he reached Pellston winter had one last word for Michigan and he was snowed in for a day.

The final 17 miles, to Mackinac City were ridden in wind, and on ice. White admits that the journey was difficult for someone his age. He ached every day and took numerous rest stops beside the road. When he was a mere 65 years old, he rode from Grand Haven to Marquette. He knows the the effects of age are impossible to hold off forever, but White says that you can't argue with God when he tells you to do something.
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